26 November 2018

Community and Service

Passionate Speakers at IB Diploma CAS Launch

Last week the boys new to the IB Diploma programme undertook a day of activities based on the theme - 'The Remarkable Life'. The activities were designed to highlight the 'spirit of CAS' (Creativity, Action Service) an integral part of the Diploma. The group was treated to presentations from five exceptional individuals who spoke with passion about their own remarkable lives.

  • Angus Turner, Rhodes Scholar and Ophthalmologist spoke about his desire to provide services to rural Australia He outlined his work with Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley through the Lions Outback Vision programme and the importance of using his skills to make life better for some of the most disadvantaged in our state.
  • Nick Northcott, Chief Operating Officer at the Telethon Kids Institute gave an insight into the decisions he has made in his career that saw him change direction from participating in the high flying financial world of London to managing a non-profit research institute in Western Australia.
  • Cassandra Lake, Executive Manager - Community Engagement with WASO spoke about developing outreach programmes in hospitals and the joy created through the interaction between musicians and patients.
  • Akram Azami - 2013 Young Australian of the Year, spoke on the topic 'Finding Our Moral Centre'. This was an engaging but challenging foray into the ethics of government decision-making and social justice.
  • Griffin Longley, Director of Nature Play WA spoke about his career to date and the importance of living in the community and understanding the challenges of others less fortunate. He spoke about working with youth at risk in Midland through the 'Midnight Basketball' charity.

Service Leadership in the Senior School

The recently appointed Co-Vice Captain of School - Service, Fraser Cull (Year 12, Ferguson) is in the process of convening the first meeting of the Service Committee. This committee comprises elected representatives from each of the ten Houses. The committee meets to promote new service opportunities and to provide support for the many activities currently under way. There are three events this term that Fraser and the committee will be promoting:

  • John Hughes' Big Walk for Princess Margaret Children's Hospital is on Sunday 8 November. Assistance is required from senior boys on both the day of the event and the Saturday before to help set up.
  • UnitingCare West - 'Operation Santa' will start soon. Donations of non-perishable food and new toys are required for donation to needy individuals and families.
  • The first Disabled Surfing Association event for the summer will be held on Saturday 5 December. There is no sport on this morning and therefore as many senior boys as possible should come down to Leighton Beach to volunteer to help.

Further information on these events will be made available through the House Service representatives and also in Daily Notices.

Notre Dame Service Learning Conference

Scotch is presenting at the Notre Dame Service Learning Conference to be held in Fremantle on Saturday 28 November. The theme of the conference is: 'To give is to receive: True service learning!' There will be displays of service learning from a number of schools, as well as talks on the role of service in schools. This is a good opportunity to support a local initiative that aims to explore the meaning of service learning and its relevance within a school context. Senior boys who are interested in attending should contact Mr Cordner this week to discuss registration.

Matipwili Trade Training Centre Fundraising

On Saturday 7 November Scotch and PLC are running a stall at the Cottesloe Village Carnival (Napoleon Street) in aid of the Matipwili (Tanzania) Trade Training Centre. Student participants in the 2016 expedition and staff will be on hand to explain the current project and to sell hand-made chopping boards, gift cards, spice packs and photographs. All proceeds will go towards purchasing materials to complete the project in Matipwili village by July next year. You would be most welcome to call in to have a chat.

Year 10 boys have an opportunity to support the Matipwili project by buying tickets to a social with PLC girls to be held in MacKellar Hall on 28 November. The social will have a 'Tribal' theme! Tickets are on sale through the 'Book a Scotch Event' on the Scotch web site. Information about the social can be found here.

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community and Service